Charm of the Emerald Isle at Downtown Disney

It appears to me that this time of year, everyone becomes a little friendlier, a little happier, maybe even getting a little lighter in their step. Perhaps it is the beginning of longer, brighter days.  Perhaps it is the small tell-tale signs of spring.  For me it is a day on the calendar — March 17 — St. Patrick’s Day!

Any day can be St. Patrick’s Day at Raglan Road Pub and Restaurant located at Downtown Disney (map).  Owned and operated by an Irish company, this establishment serves authentic food of the Emerald Isle with a modern twist and is loaded with Irish charm and lively entertainment.

The restaurant was named after the famous Raglan Road on the south side of Dublin (map).  Written in a poem by Patrick Kavanagh, the “real” Raglan Road became famous in the 1960′s when folk singer Luke Kelly put the poem to music.  Raglan Road has since been covered by Sinead O’Conner, U2 and Van Morrison.  As such there is a statue of the poet in front of the Disney location.

Though a large place with seating for 600, entering Raglan Road, you are immersed in the warmth of Ireland, from the hospitality that guests receive to the furnishings created by Irish craftsmen, to the antiques that add character and complete the decor.

Four separate bars, each dating over 130 years old and crafted from mahogany and walnut and features leaded glass and marble imported from Ireland, invite all to share a pint or sip a fine Irish whiskey.

One of Ireland’s best known, celebrity chefs, Master Chef Kevin Dundon, has created recipes for the authentic dishes served at Raglan Road.  Dundon is known for his Food Network – UK show, television appearances in the US and Canada, for opening a successful hotel and restaurant in Ireland, and has even cooked for Queen Elizabeth.

Serving traditional Shepherd’s Pie, Bangers, and Fish and Chips, the menu also offers new twists like a seafood version of  Irish Stew or ham served with an Irish Mist glaze. A children’s menu offers some of the same Irish classics along with some American standards.

As usual, my “Irish” eyes always drift to dessert which includes an apple pie, Bread ‘n Butter Pudding and an amazing Banana Banoffi Pie.  Just how many hours do you have to walk on the treadmill to work off a dessert that includes cake, bananas, cream, toffee and carmelized sweet and condensed milk?!

Dishing up  lively entertainment with traditional and contemporary music, dancing and storytelling, guests are encouraged to sing, dance and clap along  making this a family friendly dining spot.

Dinner reservations can be made online or by calling 407-WDW-DINE.  Don’t have time for a sit-down dinner?  Carry-out of lighter fare is available at the neighboring Cooke’s of Dublin.

No, I am not Irish, but, at this time of year don’t we all wish we could be? And at Raglan Road Pub and Restaurant, true Irish or not, we all fit right in!

Photo Selections: WDW News and flickr